Millions of people in the United States continue to suffer the effects of icy conditions and freezing temperatures due to cold air masses from the Arctic.
According to The Guardian, Storm Elliott, formed from cold air masses in the Arctic, wreaked havoc across much of the U.S. on December 25, with Buffalo, New York, being one of the hardest-hit areas.
Many meteorological experts have warned that the drop in temperatures occurring across U.S. states is “a situation that poses a significant threat to people’s lives.”
As of now, at least 34 people have died nationwide due to the impacts of extreme weather conditions, according to the latest updates from AP.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that this number is likely to increase in the coming days as the cold air masses from the Arctic, which are enveloping many areas of the United States, show no signs of weakening.
“Those who go outside need to prepare for the cold weather by wearing multiple layers and avoiding exposure to low temperatures. Vehicles on the road also need to be equipped with accessories to operate in freezing conditions,” the NWS announcement stated.
Americans continue to endure freezing weather and heavy snowfall. (Photo: New York Times).
The effects of Storm Elliott, which covers a vast area from the Great Lakes near the Canadian border to the Rio Grande at the Mexican border, have led to fatalities in several U.S. states, including Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and New York.
As of December 25, extreme winter weather warnings remain in effect for approximately 60% of the U.S. population.
One of the most severely affected areas by Storm Elliott is the city of Buffalo in New York State, which has reported 7 fatalities due to the storm’s impacts. Officials in Buffalo stated that the city is facing the worst blizzard and high winds since 1977.
“Winter Storm Elliott has the strength equivalent to a Category 3 tropical storm combined with heavy snowfall,” said Tim Carney, head of the local sheriff’s office.
Satellite image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on December 24 shows weather systems operating in North America. (Photo: NOAA).
Approximately 1.5 million Americans are also experiencing energy shortages for heating due to the winter storm. Additionally, hundreds of thousands more are at risk of losing power and gas in the coming days.
As of the morning of December 25 (local time), around 250,000 Americans are without power, including 100,000 residents in Maine.
In addition to damaging the energy infrastructure in the U.S., Storm Elliott has also caused significant disruptions to the country’s transportation system. Consequently, thousands of flights have been canceled during the Christmas holiday due to the impact of Storm Elliott, including 1,200 flights canceled on December 25.
The NWS forecasts that the effects of Storm Elliott will gradually lessen in some areas of the U.S. However, the agency warns that cold air from Canada will continue to move into much of the East Coast of the U.S. in the coming days.
